Straffan, Ireland ? South African Trevor Immelman shot a 6-under 66 to take the lead after the first round of the European Open on Thursday, while newly crowned U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell struggled to a 74.

Campbell finished at 2 over after three straight bogeys starting at No. 16.

“I was very flat today,” Campbell said. “I’ve been on a high for the last 10 days or so and today was a prime example of not being sharp around the greens.

“My putting was very average. Basically, I wasn’t there. My mind was focusing back to what happened two weeks ago, I think, and just wasn’t on the job today. Hopefully the next three days I’ll shoot low and be in contention.”

Defending champion Retief Goosen shot a 5-under 67, tied with Francois Delamontagne at one stroke back. Ireland’s Gary Purphy and Jonathan Lomas of England shot 68s.